Nativity and Charity

The extended SMP-SMA Sekolah Harapan Bangsa family celebrated Christmas with the theme, “Let us now go to Bethlehem…”. This theme, taken from the National Christmas theme, encourages the children of SHB to be moved in their hearts to listen and step out of their comfort zones. The shepherds heard the good news from the angels, and without much analysis, they went straight to a cave in Bethlehem, where the baby prophesied for centuries to be the savior of the world was born. The Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, tells this story in an interesting way.

The celebration, held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, was lively and special, as all Catholic and Christian students were fully involved in the joy. Each class presented artwork in music, song, and drama as an expression of their happiness at the birth of Jesus. “Carry Jesus in your hearts. The life and example of Jesus are still very relevant in all ages,” said Rev. Dr. Joel Betakore, M.Pd.K, in his homily.

After rejoicing together, the Christian students visited grandfathers and grandmothers in two nursing homes. Christian students visited the Kemah Beth Shalom Nursing Home in the Serpong area, while Catholic students spent time with the elderly gentlemen and ladies at the Bina Bhakti Nursing Home, a cozy and comfortable home built by a Dutch nun in Pamulang.

All students welcomed these events with great joy. This year's Christmas was celebrated in a slightly different way: celebrating the birth of Jesus at school while also presenting the love of Jesus by sharing with grandmothers and grandfathers. May the grace of Jesus' birth this year have a significant impact on students, inspiring them to always love and share. God bless the extended SHB family.